PARK Cake Bakery temporarily closed down a section of their factory for a safety inspection after a worker lost the tip of his finger in an accident.

The 1,800 employes at the factory on Ashton Road, Hathershaw are now back at work.

The 52-year-old man suffered the injury while working on the production line on February 8.

This led to a Health and Safety audit and as result production was stopped in some areas of the factory on Thursday, March 2.

A spokesman for Park Cake said, "Production on some lines was halted to enable a review of equipment and processes. We identified a number of areas where improvements were needed and are taking immediate action to correct these shortcomings. This reflects our positive, zero-tolerance approach to health and safety.

"An accident occurred on February 8 and, as a result, the decision has been taken to carry out a full audit of all machinery and processes and also to reinforce the importance of health and safety with all employees.

"An investigation is underway into the circumstances which led to the accident."

On July 26 last year a 21-year-old woman lost the top of a thumb while working on the production line at Park Cake.